President Trump said Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return to their home under his plan for U.S. “ownership” of the war-torn territory. His statement contradicts other officials in his administration who have tried to argue that Trump was only calling for temporary relocation. (AP)
President Trump has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting pennies due to their high costs and limited utility (with a penny currently costing almost 4 cents to make). Despite some support for the penny in charity drives, the surprise order comes after decades of unsuccessful efforts to ditch the 1-cent coin. (AP)
Fifteen measles cases, primarily in school-aged children, were confirmed in a West Texas county with high vaccine exemptions, prompting local health officials to set up a drive-through vaccination clinic and offer screening services. Vaccine exemptions in Texas have risen over the last decade, reaching 2.32% last year. (NBC News)
Senate Democrats have launched a web portal for federal workers to report misconduct within the Trump administration, vowing to pursue legal action when necessary. The move follows Elon Musk’s controversial actions in dismantling federal agencies, with federal judges ruling against Trump’s executive orders. (UPI)
Astronomers are using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to study asteroid 2024 YR4, a potential “city-killer,” which has a 2% chance of hitting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032. The 40-90 meter wide asteroid has a Level 3 rating on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, prompting close monitoring despite the low probability of impact. (CBS News)